Ginger Martin's Blog

Time Is Precious

by Ginger Martin,posted Jun 20 2014 3:19PM

I knew it would happen. One day I would wake up and suddenly have the responsibility of taking care of my aging parents. That day is here. I know most everyone has to go through this and now it is my turn. Recently my dad fell and broke his hip. He is now in a rehab facility learning how to be mobile again.

I know people say you can do just about everything you did before after a hip replacement. It just takes time. But there are a few things I do NOT want my dad to do anymore for fear he’ll fall and break his other hip. Those things include walking up and down his porch steps in winter carrying arm loads of wood for the fireplace. I put my foot down on that one. I also don’t want my parents driving long distances anymore. Quite honestly, I don’t want my parents to have to care for the house I grew up in anymore. They should enjoy the next decade of their lives not having to worry about the yard work or house repairs.

So, the next step is finding them a nice retirement community so they can downsize. It’s a lot of work caring for aging parents. And a lot of worry and stress, but in a strange way I am enjoying the responsibility and the time I get to spend with them to become even closer to them as they age. I’m blessed to still have my parents and want to keep them with me for as long as possible.